Leek Mercurian F1 Hybrid
This strong growing Leek ‘Mercurian’ F1 hybrid is the ideal choice if you want a great autumn harvest of long, white stems which don’t become rounded or bulb-like at the base. Plant them from May to June for an autumn harvest and then more in late June to July for a continuous crop right through the winter months. Ideal for harvesting and using as and when required, use them when freshly lifted when they hold their best flavour and fantastic nutritional qualities. Height: 45cm (18”). Spread: 30cm (12”).
Sow indoors 4-5 seeds in 5cm (2”) pots or used vending cups, or very thinly in a seed tray of good quality seed compost. Cover with 6mm (1?4in) of vermiculite or compost, and maintain at a temperature of 15- 20C (59-68F) until germination, which usually takes 14 -21 days. Once germinated, grow leek plants on in cool conditions.
Alternatively, sow thinly directly outside, 1cm (1/2”) deep in drills 30cm (12”) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Carefully lift when plants are large enough to handle and transplant from mid-June to mid-July at a spacing of 23-25cm (9-10”) apart and 45cm (18”) between rows, using a trowel or dibber, and water in.
Cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects. Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem.
High in folic acid, potassium, pro-vitamin A and vitamin C. Contains beneficial sulphur compounds, as well as a potent antioxidant called quercetin.